What is Dry Needling and What is it good for?

Dry needling (DNT) is a form of acupuncture that uses very fine needles to stimulate specific points on the skin. Proponents of DNT say it has a wide range of potential benefits, including relief from pain, reduced inflammation, improved circulation, and increased flexibility. Let us find out the pros and cons of dry needling, the treatment procedure and how it is different than acupuncture and cupping therapies.

Dry Needling vs Acupuncture: The Differences

While there are many similarities between dry needling and traditional acupuncture, both have their own unique benefits and drawbacks.

Dry needling is a type of pain management therapy that uses sterile needles to penetrate the soft tissue beneath the skin. The needles are inserted into the body through a series of punctures, which in turn create micro-injuries that trigger the body's immune system to release natural painkillers and other healing agents.

Acupuncture, on the other hand, utilizes fine needles that are inserted into specific points on your body's meridians (or energy channels). These points are believed to correspond to various parts of your nervous system and body organs.

Is cupping better than dry needling?

Cupping and dry needling are both forms of complementary therapy that are used to treat musculoskeletal conditions. Each has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, and the best choice for a person depends on their individual needs. Generally speaking, cupping is better for providing relief from chronic pain and increasing circulation, while dry needling is more effective for treating muscle spasms, trigger points, and scar tissue. Ultimately, the decision of which is better should be left up to the individual and their healthcare provider.

Benefits of dry needling

The benefits of dry needling are numerous. Dry needling has been known [1] to reduce pain, speed up the healing process, prevent injuries and increase mobility in athletes.

According to a study published in the Journal of Athletic Training, dry needling can reduce pain by up to 41 percent. It also helps to speed up the healing process by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation.

Dry needling helps to prevent injury in athletes who have sprained their ankle or strained a muscle during training. The procedure is most effective when performed on an injured area that has not yet been injured. It may also be used on an injured body part if it is causing discomfort but not pain or swelling.

How to do dry needling: Guidelines and procedure.

Dry needling is a form of trigger point therapy which involves the insertion of needles into the muscle tissue to relieve pain. The procedure is performed by a certified professional who has undergone extensive training on dry needling techniques.

It involves inserting a sterile needle into the muscle tissue at various points along its length. The needles are then removed and a small amount of local anesthetic injected into them. This allows for the release of stored energy within the muscle, which can then be released through physical movement or massage.

If you have never done dry needling before, it's important to understand the procedure and its risks. Before you begin, make sure that your practitioner is properly trained and certified in the technique.

Preparation: Dry Needling is an outpatient procedure, but you may experience mild discomfort during and after treatment. You should be able to walk around immediately following your treatment. You may have bruising or swelling around the site of insertion for up to 24 hours after treatment.

Is dry needling painful for the receiver ?

The question of whether or not dry needling is painful is an important one for those considering this form of treatment. The answer is that it can be, but it depends on the individual. For some people, the insertion of the needles can be uncomfortable, while for others it can be almost painless. In general, the needles used in dry needling are very thin and the sensations experienced can range from a light prick to a deep ache. The intensity of the sensations can vary depending on the area of the body being worked on and how sensitive the person’s skin is.

It is important to remember that dry needling is not meant to be a painful procedure. In fact, the main goal of dry needling is to stimulate specific points on the body to relieve tension and promote healing. While there may be some discomfort associated with the treatment, it is usually short-lived and should dissipate shortly after the needle is removed. Some people may experience a slight soreness in the area that was worked on but this should resolve on its own in a few days.

Overall, dry needling is generally not considered to be a painful experience. Most people find that the sensations associated with the treatment are not overly uncomfortable and they are able to tolerate it quite well. However, it is still important to discuss any concerns with your therapist prior to undergoing the treatment. This will ensure that you are aware of any potential risks and that the treatment is tailored to your specific needs.

What to expect during the procedure

The procedure usually lasts between 20 minutes and one hour. It may feel like an intense tingling sensation or may feel like an electrical shock when you receive the needles. Some people experience discomfort in their leg muscles, which occurs because that area is stimulated by the needle.

While dry needling isn't painful per se, some people may experience mild discomfort depending on where they're being treated and how sensitive their skin is. If you're considering dry needling for aesthetic purposes, however, you should be aware that there aren't any long-term side effects associated with this treatment method.

Drawbacks of dry needling

Dry needling is an effective and safe treatment alternative to injections or surgery for many people who suffer from chronic conditions. However, there are some drawbacks to dry needling which should be considered before you decide if it's right for you:

The risks associated with dry needling include:

Infection (1-3%) – Dry needling can increase the risk of infection in people who have open wounds or are recovering from surgery. It is important to cleanse the skin before proceeding with this type of treatment so that any bacteria on the skin do not infect it further.

Bleeding (0.2%) – Bleeding is rare but possible if too much pressure is applied to an area during needle insertion. If bleeding does occur it should be controlled by applying pressure at the puncture site until it stops.

Swelling (0) – Swelling isn't common after dry needling but may occur if too much pressure is applied to an area during needle insertion or if there is damage caused by the needle itself

As a whole, dry needling appears to be a physical therapy treatment that can be beneficial for patients who don't respond well to traditional methods. It provides more mobility and flexibility in joints, decreased pain, release of trigger points, and reduced muscle spasm. The risks involve some side effects connected to the needle itself (such as bruising) and infections. However, when used appropriately and responsibly under the supervision of a professional, there isn't much risk involved with dry needling.